Iran has instructed the Houthi movement in Yemen to prepare to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait if the U.S. strikes Iran's power network [1].
This threat targets a critical global chokepoint that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Because the strait is a primary gateway for oil shipments, any closure would likely disrupt global energy markets and increase shipping costs.
Reports indicated on July 16, 2024 [2], that Iran is using the Houthis as a proxy to pressure the U.S. and its allies. The directive suggests that the closure of the oil route would serve as a retaliatory measure against potential U.S. attacks on Iranian infrastructure [1].
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the situation during a recent appearance on Sky News Australia. "The administration has taken many swift actions to mitigate these temporary disruptions," Leavitt said [3].
Analysts suggest this move represents an expansion of Iranian strategy. After previously focusing on the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is now using the Houthis to extend its threat to global trade via the Bab el-Mandeb [4].
The geopolitical tension has already impacted financial markets. Oil prices saw a settlement about 1% lower on Thursday amid the escalating instability [5].
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait remains one of the most volatile maritime corridors in the world. By linking the security of this waterway to the integrity of its own power grid, Iran is creating a strategic deterrent against U.S. military intervention [1, 4].
“Iran has asked the Houthi movement to stand ready to close the Red Sea oil route if the United States strikes Iran’s power network.”
This escalation signals a shift in Iran's asymmetric warfare strategy, moving from localized threats to the systemic targeting of global trade arteries. By leveraging the Houthi movement, Tehran creates a 'tripwire' that forces the U.S. to weigh the cost of infrastructure strikes against the risk of a global energy crisis, effectively using the Bab el-Mandeb Strait as a geopolitical bargaining chip.
